A growing number of non-Muslim expats in the UAE are finding meaningful ways to embrace the holy month of Ramadan. From fasting alongside their Muslim friends to breaking fast with them and refraining from eating in public, they do their best to foster an atmosphere of unity and understanding.

Sophie Mead, a teacher in Dubai, finds fasting during Ramadan to be a profound way to connect with her students. “Fasting was a way for me to understand what they experience throughout the school day,” the British expat said.

“I always participate in breaking the fast with my Muslim friends as well,” she added. “Dates and water are my go-to, and I’ve grown fond of dates with tahini, plus a cup of Karak to finish the meal.”

Sophie Mead enjoys wearing her abaya collection during this time

For Sophie, who has lived in the UAE for five years, fasting with her students wasn’t the only way she showed solidarity during Ramadan. She also enjoys wearing her abaya collection during this time. “I typically dress modestly, but during Ramadan, I make an extra effort to cover up,” she noted. “Having lived in Saudi Arabia for 3.5 years, I’ve built quite the abaya collection! Wearing them during Ramadan feels natural and beautiful, and respectful of the culture and religion of the country.”

David Thompson, a marketing executive based in Abu Dhabi, also participates in Ramadan in his own way. “I’ve been living in the UAE for over two years, and this Ramadan has been particularly special for me,” he said.

David often joins his Muslim friends and colleagues for iftar, where he witnesses the beauty of breaking the fast together, followed by prayers. “Since I learned about Ramadan, I also try to refrain from eating and drinking — even smoking — in public during the day,” he added. “I have been invited to lunches during work hours, but sometimes I apologise and prefer to have my lunch at my private desk.”

Restaurants in Dubai are now permitted to remain open during fasting hours, reflecting how the emirate embraces its diverse population, who call the UAE their home.

This year, David took it a step further by participating in organising meal distributions with his coworkers. “We decided to make it a team effort, preparing meals to distribute to those in need,” he shares. “It was heartwarming to see everyone come together, regardless of their backgrounds, to contribute and share the joy of Ramadan.”

David emphasised that the communal aspect of Ramadan has strengthened his connections with his Muslim colleagues. “It’s about solidarity and understanding,” he reflected. “I’ve learned so much about compassion and generosity during this time.”

Amelia Liu, a marketing specialist in Dubai, is another British expat who has embraced the traditions of Ramadan. “Living in the UAE for nearly four years has given me a deep appreciation for the cultural significance of this month,” she shared.

Amelia actively participates in iftar gatherings, where she enjoys traditional meals alongside her friends. “Trying dishes like biryani has been a delightful experience,” she said. “I never would have tasted these dishes if it weren’t for my friends inviting me.”

In addition to attending iftars, Amelia has also tried fasting for a couple of days in support of her colleagues. “I wanted to experience what my friends go through during Ramadan,” she explained. As she learned more about the significance and wisdom behind fasting, she found it to be a meaningful practice that deepened her understanding of the month. “Fasting isn’t just about abstaining from food; it’s about self-reflection and empathy for those who are less fortunate,” Amelia reflected.

For Adriano V., an Italian expat living in Dubai, the decision to fast this Ramadan was driven by his desire to show solidarity with his friends. Though not a Muslim himself, he said that so far, fasting has taught him to be more patient and understanding of the people around him. In Islam, followers are expected to fast not only to get closer to God, but to also practice a form of self-discipline and to empathise with the less fortunate. “It taught me to go through what the less fortunate people face,” he said. 

At first, what made Adriano curious was the late opening hours of different restaurants and establishments. Being in the UAE for a few years, he started learning more about the faith, and especially during Ramadan, got to experience fasting for the first time this year in hopes of gaining an understanding of the community around him. He added, “It made me think about other faiths and I learned about other religions outside of mine due to the values of Ramadan,” he said.